Clickety-clack clickety-clack
Open plains are rolling byClickety-clack clickety-clack
I watch my mother cryClickety-clack clickety-clack
Mile after mile
There’s no one else to comfort her
So I try to make her smile

Clickety-clack clickety-clack
Will this journey never endClickety-clack clickety-clack
I could use a friend
Passengers try to make me smile
Calling me “Sweet Caroline”

Clickety-clack clickety-clack
Little do we knowClickety-clack clickety-clack
There are many more miles to go
As my father follows us to New Mexico
Arizona, and finally Lac du Flambeau

A nice synthesis of folksong, ballad and modern popular song. Using the onomatopoeia of the train on the track creates a nice looping rhythm. And it’s accessible poetry, something we need more of these days.

Thank you for such thoughtful comments, Art. The inspiration to write is a strange phenomenon. This came from a melody and words that kept playing through my thoughts this morning. I recognized the voice (Neil Diamond), but not the song. When I found it on youtube, the title of the song unlocked memories of the sound of the train when I was four as we traveled across the country. The words just flowed like those of a child… It needs work, but it could be a good folk or country song.

Thanks, Carol. He is doing better tonight and has been moved out of ICU and into a room. Until they figure out what caused the critical drop in his BP he’ll remain there, I’m sure. Have a great week. Love, N 🙂 ❤

Thank you for acknowledging the importance of programs to address violence against women. Kennedy. I wish those services had existed during the years my mother struggled. And thank you for sharing the link 🙂